Understanding how federal programs are funded is crucial, especially when it comes to essential services like child care and early learning. The Congressional process of “appropriations” is the mechanism through which funding is allocated to these vital federal initiatives. This process typically begins each February with the White House submitting a budget request to Congress, outlining the President’s proposed spending priorities. Subsequently, Congressional appropriators in both the House and Senate determine the funding levels for various programs, often on a program-by-program basis. While the ideal timeline aims for a budget resolution by October 1st, the actual process can be more complex and extended.
The budget resolution results in 12 distinct appropriations bills, each overseen by a specific subcommittee responsible for budgeting for particular agencies. Child care and early learning programs are primarily funded through the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education and Related Agencies bill, frequently referred to as the “Labor-H” bill. Key figures in the Senate Appropriations Committee include Committee Chair Senator Patty Murray (D., WA) and Ranking Member Senator Susan Collins (R., ME). Within this committee, the Labor-H Subcommittee is led by Subcommittee Chair Senator Tammy Baldwin (D., WA) and Ranking Member Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R., WV). In the House Appropriations Committee, leadership includes Committee Chair Representative Tom Cole (R., OK) and Ranking Member Representative Rosa DeLauro (D., CT), with the Labor-H Subcommittee chaired by Representative Robert Aderholt (R., AL) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Representative Rosa DeLauro (D., CT).
The Dominant Role of Federal Funding in Child Care
Despite increasing contributions from states, businesses, and philanthropic organizations, federal funding remains the largest source of investment in child care and early learning across the United States. Within this federal funding landscape, the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) stands out as the largest source of federal funding for child care programs. Congress establishes the overall funding levels for the CCDBG, but states are granted considerable flexibility in how they utilize these funds. This flexibility allows states to tailor their early learning and care systems to effectively address the unique needs of children, parents, and child care providers within their communities.
Alt text: Diverse group of young children joyfully engaging with educational toys in a brightly lit child care center, highlighting the importance of early learning environments supported by federal funding.
Beyond CCDBG, other crucial federally funded programs support child care and early learning. Early Head Start and Head Start represent significant investments, delivering comprehensive early learning, health services, nutritional support, and family support services to young children, families, and pregnant women. Furthermore, programs such as the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) play a vital role in assisting states to gather data and develop infrastructure. This infrastructure aims to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across the diverse landscape of child care options available to families.
While federal investments in early learning and care have historically enjoyed strong bipartisan support, it’s important to acknowledge that current funding levels only reach a fraction of eligible families. Expanding access to these crucial programs requires sustained and potentially increased federal investment.
Broad Voter Support for Increased Federal Child Care Funding
Public opinion surveys consistently demonstrate strong voter support for increased federal funding for child care and early learning programs. A July 2023 poll revealed that even when acknowledging concerns about the federal deficit, a significant majority – 74% of voters – still believe that “increasing funding for child care and early childhood education programs is an important priority and a good use of tax dollars.” This sentiment transcends political divides, with 61% of Republican voters, 74% of Independent voters, and 86% of Democratic voters expressing agreement on this issue.
Voters have also indicated clear bipartisan support for specific funding increases within child care programs:
- Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Expansion: 78% of voters support increasing federal funding to states to expand CCDBG, which directly assists low-income children. This includes 68% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats.
- Head Start and Early Head Start Enhancement: 80% of voters support providing greater funding to Head Start and Early Head Start to better support families with the most significant needs. This includes 71% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats.
Alt text: Two preschool children collaboratively building with colorful blocks in a child care setting, illustrating the developmental benefits of early childhood education and the need for continued federal support.
Congressional Initiatives Reflecting Bipartisan Support
The bipartisan voter support for child care funding is mirrored in various Congressional initiatives. For Fiscal Year 2025, numerous bipartisan letters have been circulating in Congress, advocating for robust funding for key child care programs. These letters demonstrate a clear commitment from both Democrats and Republicans to prioritize early learning and care.
For the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program, a bipartisan letter led by Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) garnered 94 signatures, requesting funding of at least $500 million. For the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), separate letters were initiated by Democrats and Republicans. The Democrat-led letter, spearheaded by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), received 162 signatures and requested at least $12.4 billion for CCDBG. A Republican-led letter, led by Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT), with 34 signatures, also advocated for robust CCDBG funding.
Similar bipartisan efforts are evident for Head Start and Early Head Start. A Democrat-led letter, championed by Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT) with 179 signatures, requested $15.67 billion for Head Start in FY 2025. A Republican-led letter, led by Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) with 34 signatures, urged for continued strong funding for Head Start. Furthermore, a House Dear Colleague letter, led by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL), is circulating to support funding for the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) program. In the Senate, a Democrat-led letter by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), with 45 signatures, requested the highest feasible funding for a range of early care and education programs, including CCDBG, Head Start, Early Head Start, Preschool Development Grants, and early intervention services under IDEA.
These bipartisan congressional letters underscore the widespread recognition of the importance of federal funding for child care and early learning. As the largest source of this crucial funding, the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) remains a cornerstone of the federal commitment to supporting families and ensuring access to quality child care across the nation. Continued and potentially increased investment in CCDBG and related programs is essential to meet the growing needs of families and strengthen the foundation of early childhood education in the United States.
